Description
Most lens manufacturers offer fast (f/2.8)
ultra-wide
angle zoom lenses, but lenses in this category tend to be large, heavy, and quite expensive. Tokina's own AF 20-35mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO is a superb product but most photo enthusiasts do not require such a wide aperture in a short zoom often used at f/16. If you fall into that category, the new
Tokina AF 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5
zoom is well worth considering. It's compact, lightweight, and offers performance beyond normal for a mid-priced zoom. In fact, its optics can meet professional
photographer standards
This is a lightweight lens but with a rugged feel and stainless steel mount for long-term reliability. The rubberized zoom and focus rings are adequately wide and knurled for good grip. The rotary zoom action is extremely smooth and well damped; the manual focus mechanism is not damped
as well nor as smooth but works very good in actual practice. Less than 45 degrees
of rotation is required for moving from infinity to the 1.3' setting for quick operation in both manual and autofocus. AF operation
is very quick indeed, and fairly quiet,
This lens replaces the AF235 II in Tokina's quality middle line of AF series lenses. Constructed with
high refraction, low dispersion glass, its multicoated lens elements are produced by Hoya Corporation-the worlds largest manufacturer of optical glass. While the same mechanically as the AF235 II, the AF193s barrel is made from polycarbonate to reduce the overall weight of the
lens.
Features
The value and performance of this wide-angle lens soars to new heights.
Landscapes,
group portraiture, or
travel photography, this lens was built to travel light. But it's no lightweight on quality. Tokina's AF 193 uses high-refraction, low-dispersion (HLD) all-glass optics made by Hoya Corporation and multi-coated with Tokina's exclusive anti-reflection coatings for outstanding optical performance in a value-priced lens.
An internal zooming ability allows the
focal length to be adjusted without the over-all length of the lens changing.
Filters, such as circular polarizers and other special effects, can be used, and thanks to the internal focusing mechanism the filter will not move during focusing. The AF 193 handles and travels easily due to its compact design and lightweight materials. Which is important because now you can have the benefits of a super-wide angle zoom lens with you all the time!
Specifications
Camera Mount Format: Canon,
Nikon and Pentax
Lens Type: Zoom Lens
Focal Length: 19mm - 35mm
Lens Max Aperture: f/3.5-f/4.5
Min Aperture: f/22
Focus Type: Autofocus
Macro Lens: Without Macro Lens
Closest Focusing Distance: 15.6 in
Picture Angle: 63 - 98 degrees
Attachment / Filter Size: 77 mm
Groups / Elements: 13 Elements in 11 Groups
Dimensions
Diameter: 3.2 in
Length: 3 in
Weight: 13.76 oz
Reviews
Bang for the Buck, April 16, 2009
By J. Rzeczycki (East Tennessee)
This is an excellent lens for the money - very sharp and has very nice colors. It's built much better than most kit lenses and is a big step up over the kit lens for this price.
